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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Afikpo North West State Constituency seat in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Obiageri Oko Enyim, has condemned online insults and attacks linked to political exchanges surrounding her ambition, urging supporters to embrace peaceful and issue-based engagement.
Enyim said she had neither authorised nor instructed anyone to insult, bully, attack or malign individuals on her behalf, stressing that her aspiration to represent the constituency was not intended to provoke hostility or personal confrontations.
She made the position known in a disclaimer on Wednesday morning addressing online exchanges involving her name and political ambition, in which she expressed concern that some supporters had independently resorted to attacking others in an attempt to defend her.
While appreciating their goodwill, the lawyer said such conduct was unacceptable and did not reflect her values or approach to politics.
“I have neither authorised nor sent anyone to attack, insult, bully, or malign anybody on my behalf. I do not endorse such conduct, and I strongly condemn it,” she stated.
Enyim explained that despite what she described as provocations and attacks on social media, she had chosen to remain calm, dignified and focused on her aspiration rather than engage in verbal confrontations.
She maintained that political competition should centre on ideas, competence, character, public service and the capacity to deliver meaningful representation, rather than personal attacks and online hostility.
“My ambition is not a declaration of war against anyone. Politics should be about ideas, competence, character, service, and the ability to deliver meaningful representation, not personal attacks and online hostility,” she said.
The APC aspirant also expressed the belief that political outcomes should be determined by the electorate rather than social media exchanges, noting that online arguments were not a substitute for genuine support from voters.
“I firmly believe that power comes from God, and no amount of social media banter can determine the outcome of an election,” she said.
“There are no polling units on Facebook, WhatsApp, or any other social media platform. The real test of political support lies with the people, their confidence, and their votes at the polling units.”
Addressing what she described as sponsored media posts targeting her, including content concerning her family and personal life, Enyim said she would not engage in public arguments with those responsible.
She, however, indicated that she would pursue lawful remedies where necessary, emphasising the importance of due process in addressing grievances.
“As a lawyer, I will not join issues with these individuals but must ensure that I follow due process of the law to get justice in deserving circumstances,” she stated.
On the selection of a candidate to represent the APC in the constituency, Enyim said she believed in a process capable of producing a credible candidate who could genuinely serve the interests of the people.
She also expressed confidence in her own qualifications and preparedness for the responsibility, citing her credibility, capacity, experience and commitment to public service.
“I strongly believe that I possess the credibility, capacity, experience, and commitment required to serve my constituency,” she said.
The aspirant called on her supporters to remain peaceful, respectful and focused on issues throughout the political process, urging them to defend their preferred candidate through facts, ideas and achievements rather than personal attacks.
“To my supporters, I urge you to remain peaceful, respectful, and issue driven. Defend our cause with facts, not insults; with achievements and ideas, not personal attacks,” she said.
She added that political actors could promote their preferred candidates without undermining the dignity of others, stressing that healthy political engagement should encourage constructive discussions about leadership and representation.
“We can promote our preferred candidate without destroying the dignity of others,” she stated.
Reaffirming the purpose of her political ambition, Enyim said her focus remained on serving the people of Afikpo North West rather than engaging in conflicts with political opponents or other individuals.
“My ambition is to serve, not to fight. My campaign is for the people, not against individuals,” she said.
She urged stakeholders and supporters to allow the people to make their choice through the appropriate electoral process, while expressing hope that peace, unity and responsible political engagement would guide political activities in the constituency.
Enyim concluded by calling for restraint and mutual respect among political actors, reiterating her commitment to peaceful participation in the political process and expressing the hope that the will of God would prevail.
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